At JAK, we don’t just embrace challenges—we thrive on them. We leverage our branding know-how and incredible passion for design to make each client’s vision a brandmade reality.

Wynn Las Vegas Summer Campaign

In the spring of 2015, the luxurious Wynn and Encore hotels in Las Vegas were looking for innovative direct mail pieces for their upcoming summer campaign for American Express® Card Members. They wanted to highlight all the activities guests could enjoy on their properties, specifically promoting entertainment, dining, spa, and golf experiences.

JAK met this challenge with dynamic brochures and inserts that elegantly put Wynn’s images center stage. Concise copy detailed the amenities at this opulent resort while also enticing potential guests. The summer 2015 campaign was so successful that we created new brochures, inserts, and an envelope for summer 2016.

Gypsy’s Brand Identity

One of our clients was in need of a brand identity for a new restaurant he was launching, Gypsy’s. Gypsy’s was to be known as a family-friendly biker hangout with a bit of an upscale atmosphere—and, of course, good food. JAK’s goal was to create a unique, recognizable logo that would capture the essence of the establishment and stand out. The final logo our client chose accomplished that goal and more with the help of bold colors and typography, and a motorcycle visual partially crafted out of images of culinary items.

Modell Funeral Home Identity Refresh

After renovating their facilities, the owners of a local funeral home decided it was time to have their more current look reflected in their marketing materials. In order to do that, they needed a fresh brand identity, starting with a new logo.

JAK created a logo that is, in essence, a modern spin-off of the original logo that Modell had used since 1955. The new logo uses a serif font that looks contemporary, with a nod to the traditional gothic, blackletter script present in their old identity. JAK incorporated young leaves to represent the tree of life, a motif that can also be found in the funeral home’s interior.

Modell’s new logo was later integrated into the design of business cards, a letterhead, envelopes, and outdoor signage.

American Express and Delta Shop Small Holiday Market

For the 2014 holiday season, American Express and Delta Air Lines came together to present the Shop Small Holiday Market in downtown Seattle, a monthlong event featuring 40 local merchants and unique holiday gift ideas.

The event was held to inspire holiday shoppers to support local businesses, and as part of that initiative, JAK created a responsive website for the curated pop-up market, highlighting the partners, venue, and transportation options.

NewsGator Mailer

NewsGator was a software company at a crossroads. Its newsfeed software was already in use at several hundred companies, but now it was offering much more—a new enterprise-wide social mobility and collaboration platform.

NewsGator needed to gain visibility and secure appointments. That’s where JAK came in. To help NewsGator get the attention of C-level decision-makers at a small group of targeted companies, we created a mailer that cut through the clutter and captured the core benefit of this interactive networking solution.

The medium was the message: NewsGator’s new software could help users break through internal barriers that were interfering with productivity. The mailer arrived on the right desks—and meetings were secured with the right people.

NewsGator is now Sitrion.

ComEd Diversity & Inclusion Reports

ComEd’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is an essential part of its culture. For years, JAK has helped the electric utility company communicate this through annual reports, each with a distinct theme that reinforces values, details initiatives and achievements, celebrates individual employees, and generates enthusiasm.

In 2014, the 28-page report was titled "A Whole New Light" and featured the diverse interests of select employees. JAK artists enhanced the employees’ portraits with an oil brush effect and impressive framing. Innovative treatments and strategic placement also drew attention to other components of the report: relevant statistics, recent awards, news, photographs, corporate statements, and objectives.

ComEd D+I Summit

After years of spearheading the creation of ComEd’s annual report on diversity and inclusion, JAK was called on to create collateral for an exciting new event, the company’s inaugural D+I Summit.

ComEd’s 2017 D+I Summit: The Intersection of Innovation and Inclusion was held in the fall for select individuals from within the company and external invitees as well. JAK was challenged with creating a unique look that reflected the theme of the summit while remaining within ComEd’s brand.

The resulting design used imagery of bright, colorful pigments dispersed in water—visuals that represented diversity. JAK applied that motif to a D+I Summit booklet, banners, e-vites, and other creative pieces.

My FedEx Rewards Holiday Campaign

The 2014 holiday season was approaching. The team behind My FedEx Rewards was searching for a way to encourage members to redeem points for gift cards and other merchandise, on sale for a limited time. Almost 50 items were to be included, and the printed piece needed to adhere to strict brand guidelines while conveying a generic but engaging holiday look and feel.

After proposing a variety of format options, JAK began work on a booklet with items grouped into seven sections. We also created an email to further promote the campaign. Both the booklet and email were later versioned for five customer segments.

Google Express Email

When Google and American Express partnered on an offer to promote a new delivery service called Google Express to American Express® Card Members, JAK really delivered.

Along the way, JAK was faced with the challenge of reconciling Google Express guidelines with American Express templates, creating graphic harmony between two corporate superpowers. For example, Google Express planned to display the logos of its merchant partners, but American Express did not have the same partner relationship with those merchants. JAK artists devised a middle-ground solution that met the standards of both American Express and Google.

Plenti App for Small Businesses

Near the end of 2015, Plenti was getting ready to launch a pilot program in Brooklyn to engage small businesses. In order to participate, local merchant partners would need a quick way to connect customer transactions with the Plenti network. To accomplish this, Plenti decided to give each merchant an iPad loaded with a custom app for recognizing a customer as a Plenti member, either by scanning a Plenti card with the iPad’s camera or by inputting a phone number.

JAK did the front-end user interface design for this app, creating a clear user experience that reconciled Plenti brand guidelines with Apple best practices. We provided Plenti with Photoshop files for the app, which were later handed off to developers who completed the coding.

Executive Coaching Connections Brochure and Fact Sheet

When Illinois-based Executive Coaching Connections tapped JAK to create a new informational brochure, we set out to tell the company’s story with the utmost care. That meant collaborating closely with leadership at every step of the process.

The resulting partnership moved ECC’s marketing in a fresh new direction while remaining true to its mission and brand. JAK created two separate brochures and fact sheets—one for ECC’s full range of services and the other focused specifically on its executive coaching program.

JAK wrote copy, created original graphics, and selected photographs that emphasized how ECC’s coaches and experts unlock positive results for the company’s clients.

American Express Gift Card Packages

A few years ago, American Express wanted to gain more of the holiday gift card market. Simply put, competitors’ special holiday designs were outselling classic American Express gift cards. American Express had to take action, so they called JAK.

Our challenge was to engage gift card buyers with a package design that conveyed a holiday spirit without any specifically Christmas-related elements. We produced a design featuring a polar bear walking through a winter wonderland—and it has been very successful.

This project is part of JAK’s long-standing relationship with the American Express Gift Card division. We produce new designs and maintain the art files for a large library of gift card products, including packaging celebrating moms, dads, and grads; designs for a partnership between American Express and Target; and an eco-friendly option for Whole Foods.

Case Studies

Creative design is our name and agile innovation is our game. Explore the case studies below to see a few of the ways we strategically turn ideas, concepts, and challenges into outstanding results.

About Us

Imaginative artists who visually conceptualize—and then make ideas come alive for the rest of us. Clever copywriters who cook up fresh concepts instead of canned copy. Account executives who help their clients move mountains.

The JAK team always brings its A game—and if there was a letter before A, we’d bring that game instead. Meet the crew that’s been creating campaigns, addressing market segments, inspiring action, and driving results for clients for more than 20 years.

Allison Weakly

Vice President

Allison solves problems for her clients with graceful efficiency. She manages campaigns from estimation to fulfillment, building relationships—and trust—in person, over the phone, and via email. She provides leadership and guidance to the account team, collaborates with the creative team, and participates in JAK marketing and sales efforts.

If you ask Allison where she’s from, she’ll show you using the palm of her hand. As an alumna of the University of Michigan (where she earned her BBA), she “bleeds maize and blue.” Prior to joining JAK in May 2008, Allison worked as a marketing manager at American Express.

Jill A. Kerrigan

Founder & CEO

Jill is our founder, president, owner, and fearless leader. She facilitates client relationships and strategic planning, while also focusing on creative direction, marketing, and the next killer idea for "Shark Tank."

She earned her BA in graphic design from Eastern Illinois University and learned management skills at a small design firm before setting out on her own and opening JAK in 1995. In 2013, Jill completed the intensive Tuck School of Business program with the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council. More recently, she honed her skills in the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program. Jill is a member of NAWBO, WBENC, and WEConnect International.

Jordan Parks

Art Director

Jordan has been creating graphic art and designing at JAK since January 2014. He brings a sense of adventure and a broad range of skills to both quick-turn projects and larger campaigns. Jordan loves the satisfaction of solving visual problems, especially in packaging and brand identity.

Jordan earned his BFA in communication design from the School of Art and Design at Southern Illinois University. Prior to joining JAK, he worked at Fokoz Creative Group; at Magna-Tel, Inc.; and as a freelance designer. He’s a contributing member of AIGA Chicago and once earned $100 by not shaving his beard for an entire summer. Now, he’s grown attached to it.

Kelsey Cellarius

Senior Account Manager

Since starting at JAK in 2014, Kelsey has put her heart into consulting with clients to plan and manage their campaigns. She enjoys the dynamic of understanding the clients’ needs, helping them set parameters, and then working meticulously to achieve their goals.

Kelsey earned her BA in communications with a concentration in public relations and marketing at Saint Mary’s College of Notre Dame and spent a year studying in Ireland. She interned and then worked for Target in merchandise marketing before joining our agency. Kelsey’s the team LaCroix lover and beer aficionado. After work, you can find her at spin class.

Leo Ebersole

Copy Director

Leo came to JAK after 13 years with the Chicago Tribune, where he signed on in 2002 to help launch the RedEye. In 2009, he moved to the Tribune as an entertainment editor, managing writers and increasing visibility for their stories via social media.

Leo is excited to join the marketing and advertising industry, and JAK is excited to gain his top-of-the-line copywriting, editing, and proofreading experience. We’ll see how his sly sense of humor works out in the JAK funhouse.

Leo earned his BS and MS in journalism from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.

Megan Patsavas

Senior Copywriter/Content Manager

Megan writes, edits, and proofreads for both print and digital platforms—even the words you’re reading right now! She loves social media and marketing strategy, but the part of her job she enjoys most is developing creative concepts with the team.

Megan graduated magna cum laude with a BS in journalism from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University and a minor in film and media studies. Prior to joining JAK in 2014, Megan completed three internships and then covered local news for The Enterprise in Plainfield. She also tells the most dad jokes in the office, despite not being a father.

Laura Penagos

Graphic/Web Designer

Laura joined JAK as a graphic/web designer in October 2017. This artist says her favorite aspects of life at JAK include applying her knowledge when tackling new projects, collaborating with other creative minds, and learning new skills.

After graduating with an associate’s degree in web and graphic design from DeVry University, Laura spent four years working as an in-house designer for a company in the food industry.

Laura has a penchant for referencing movies, though she can’t remember the titles of any of them.

Michael S. Arpino

Director of Business Development

Michael’s relationship with JAK began more than 12 years ago when the former American Express marketing and advertising executive developed a strong working relationship with Jill, Krissy, and other members of our team. Now, he’s been brought on board to create a New York presence for JAK and share his firsthand experience of our agency’s work with potential new clients.

In addition to his tenure at American Express, Michael has held leadership positions at Condé Nast and Time Inc. He is president of the Institute for Supply Management in New York and serves on ISM’s Affiliate Advisory Council. He also has a deep appreciation for art, as he obtained a BFA from the City University of New York’s Lehman College.

Jill A. KerriganAllison WeaklyMichael S. Arpino

Kelsey CellariusJordan ParksLeo Ebersole

Megan PatsavasLaura Penagos

Our Services

Some other agencies think outside a box. We recycled ours. For projects big or small, long-term or short, we offer design done differently.

Brand Identity

Identity Design

Naming

Taglines

Style Guides

Brand Extensions

Packaging

Package Design

Integrated Packaging

2D/3D Prototypes

High-Impact Mailers

Research Stimulus Materials

Environments

Signage

Wayfinding

POP Materials

Displays

Trade Show Graphics

Presentation Boards

Branded Environments

Print

Tactical Ads

Brochures

Direct Mail

Newsletters

Catalogs

Reports

Promotional/Seasonal Campaigns

Digital

Banner Ads

Emails

Websites

UX/UI

Wireframes

Social Media Posts

Presentations

Content

Creative Concepts

Content Development

Copywriting

Proofreading

Our Clients

Over the years, JAK has deftly delivered on projects for startups, Fortune 500 companies, and nonprofit organizations. We go the extra mile for each and every client quicker than they can say JAK Creative Design.

Our Affiliations

Our News

We love sharing news—especially when it’s good! Here’s what Jill and the JAK team have been up to recently.